Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

This Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With its soft texture and spicy flavor, this cake is ideal for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or any cozy occasion. The rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting adds a delicious twist, making it a standout dessert that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Frosting
• How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
• Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
• Step 6: Bake the Cake
• Step 7: Cool the Cake
• Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
• Step 9: Frost the Cake
• Step 10: Garnish & Serve
• How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pair with Coffee or Tea
• Add Whipped Cream
• Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds
• Serve Warm
• Present on a Festive Platter
• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other frostings on my pumpkin spice cake?
• How do I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?
• What occasions are best for serving this cake?
• Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a cake that is both comforting and festive.
• Moist Texture: This recipe guarantees a soft and moist cake, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this delicious dessert without stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a standalone dessert or served with coffee or tea during the holidays.
• Impressive Presentation: Topped with the creamy brown sugar frosting and garnished with pumpkin seeds, it’s visually appealing for any table setting.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your tools and ensure your kitchen is ready. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter for a light texture.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan helps distribute heat evenly, leading to perfectly baked cake.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 150 g White granulated sugar
• 150 g Brown sugar
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 3 Eggs
• 180 ml Vegetable oil
• 400 g Pumpkin puree
• 230 g All-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Ground ginger
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• ¼ tsp Ground cloves
• ⅛ tsp Ground black pepper

For the Frosting

• 150 g Unsalted butter
• 80 g Brown sugar
• 160 g Cream cheese
• 220 g Icing sugar
• Orange food color
• Pumpkin seeds

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake later.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. White granulated sugar
2. Brown sugar
3. Eggs
4. Vanilla extract
5. Vegetable oil
6. Pumpkin puree

Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Cinnamon
5. Ground ginger
6. Nutmeg
7. Ground cloves
8. Ground black pepper

Make sure there are no lumps in your dry mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Cream cheese

Mix until smooth, then gradually add icing sugar until well combined. Adjust color with orange food coloring as desired.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting over your pumpkin spice cake using a spatula.

Step 10: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and flavor before slicing into servings. Enjoy this delightful fall treat!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance its flavors and presentation.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the cake’s spices beautifully, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Add Whipped Cream

• A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, balancing the rich frosting.

Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the smooth frosting.

Serve Warm

• Slightly warm slices of cake release more aromas and flavors, making each bite irresistible.

Present on a Festive Platter

• Use seasonal decor, like autumn leaves or small pumpkins, to make your cake stand out as a centerpiece at gatherings.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream is an excellent contrast to the spiced cake, creating a delicious dessert duo.

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How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pumpkin puree and quality spices to maximize flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients ensures consistent results for your cake’s texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix only until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
• Experiment with Frosting Colors: Adding orange food coloring can make your frosting visually appealing for fall celebrations.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some tasty options that work well together.

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed apples sprinkled with cinnamon add warmth and complement the cake’s spice profile.
2. Maple Pecan Salad: A fresh salad drizzled in maple vinaigrette brings brightness and crunch that balances sweetness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide earthy flavors that contrast nicely against the sweet notes of the cake.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This classic side dish adds comfort and richness, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
5. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of mixed spiced nuts offers a savory snack option that pairs well with dessert.
6. Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses can create an elegant touch and offer different textures alongside sweet treats.
7. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup ties in beautifully with the flavors while offering something savory.
8. Honey Glazed Carrots: These sweet carrots provide color and a delightful taste that enhances any meal featuring pumpkin spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Using canned pumpkin pie filling: This is a common mistake. Always use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Over-measuring flour can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or cream cheese can affect how well your frosting mixes. Allow them to reach room temperature before use.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and airy texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the cake separate from the frosting if possible.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this delightful dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use other frostings on my pumpkin spice cake?

Yes! While brown sugar cream cheese frosting is delicious, you could also try buttercream or whipped cream for variety.

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What occasions are best for serving this cake?

This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any cozy family get-together!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips would add delightful texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting is an amazing treat that captures the essence of fall. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it suitable for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or spices!